Sam Mendes is to direct a new stage musical adaptation of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.

The American Beauty filmmaker insists he is still committed to the 23rd James Bond film, but has announced his next two projects while 007 is on hold.

Sam Mendes is to direct a stage adaptation of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Sam committed himself to direct the musical production following a successful reading of the first act of the stage musical in New York last week, Deadline.com reports.

The musical is expected to open in 2011 in London before moving to Broadway.

Even though Roald Dahl adapted his book into the 1971 musical film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory, it is known he didn’t care for the original.

The new Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is being produced by Sam and his Neal Street Productions partner Caro Newling, along with Kevin McCormick.

Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will continue to pen the songs and David Greig will complete the book, while a designer is being hired to construct the elaborate chocolate factory.

Meanwhile Sam will find time to direct new film drama On Chesil Beach, and is in discussions with Carey Mulligan to play the female lead.

Ian McEwan is adapting his novella for the film, which takes place in the UK in 1963 and revolves around two repressed virgins in their early twenties, whose futile attempt at lovemaking leads to doubt and recriminations.